Meet Antonio Torres

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Antonio Torres. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Antonio , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose early on through service and relationships. In high school, I worked closely with the youth at my church, and during college I devoted every summer to serving at an adventure camp in Rock Springs, Texas. Any opportunity I had—whether in high school or college—I was drawn to volunteering, helping others, or offering whatever I could in ways that genuinely benefited people, often at no cost. It wasn’t about recognition; it was about contribution.

During that same period, I developed a strong interest in men’s grooming, especially shaving. By the time I was in college, I was cutting hair for roommates, people in my dorm hall, and friends—often for free or under $20. What stuck with me wasn’t just the haircut itself, but the effect it had. I became deeply interested in how something as simple as grooming could help someone see a version of themselves they didn’t realize was possible, or help them feel more aligned with where they wanted to go and how they wanted to present themselves.

Around my junior year, I started connecting the dots. Every meaningful chapter of my life pointed back to the same thing: bringing out the best in people. I’ve always loved learning where people come from, hearing their stories, and building connection through conversation. Whether it’s making someone laugh, feel heard, or feel genuinely important, that has always come naturally to me.

Looking back, my purpose has always been centered around relationships. Even before I could articulate it, I was drawn to roles and moments where I could uplift others. As I got older, that clarity sharpened. At my core, my purpose is helping people feel good about themselves—seen, valued, and confident—often through simple, intentional human connection.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Professionally, I’m a barber and business owner, but at its core, what I do is create space for people to feel confident, seen, and taken care of. The work lives at the intersection of grooming, culture, and confidence. I own and operate Torres Image Barbershop, where the focus goes far beyond a haircut.

What excites me most about what I do is the ability to combine technical skill with human connection. Men’s grooming is often treated as transactional, but I’ve always believed it can be something deeper. A haircut or shave can be a reset. It can change how someone carries themselves, how they show up in their relationships, their work, or even how they see themselves in the mirror. Being trusted with that moment is something I take seriously.

My approach is built around intention. Every appointment is structured, unhurried, and personalized. I put a strong emphasis on consultation, education, and consistency so clients know exactly what to expect and feel confident in the process. The environment, the details, and the conversation are all designed to feel thoughtful and grounded, not rushed or flashy.

The brand itself is centered on confidence, culture, and relationships. I’m deeply interested in people’s stories—where they’re from, what they’re building, and what season of life they’re in. Many of my clients come in for a service and stay for the relationship. Over time, the chair becomes a place for reflection, honesty, and sometimes encouragement. That aspect of the work is just as important to me as the technical side.

After a very intentional and earned first year in business, I can feel a new season approaching in my career. The next phase for me is leadership—building and guiding a team of both barbers and stylists. I believe there is a place where those two sides of the industry can exist together in a way that’s harmonious and collaborative. I don’t think they should be separate. There is real value in combining them, because there’s so much both disciplines can learn from one another—how people style their hair, how they wear it, how we approach detail, and how we continue to raise the standard of the craft. I know there is space for that kind of model in Houston, and I would love to help lead it. Right now, that means learning my role as a leader and preparing myself to steward something bigger than just my own chair.

At the same time, my foundation remains the same. I’m deeply grateful for the brand I’m building, the business I’m growing, and the clientele God has entrusted me with. My faith is central to who I am, and as long as I’ve kept God and my craft at the center of my life, I’ve always felt taken care of. After nearly ten years in this industry, I’m finally beginning to experience a sense of stability and confidence—but I don’t see that as the finish line. If anything, it feels like confirmation that I’m just getting started, which is what makes this season so exciting.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the greatest impact on my journey were patience, the ability to receive criticism, and effective communication.

Early in my career, all three were weaknesses for me. I struggled to communicate clearly with clients and teammates, especially when things didn’t go as planned. I didn’t know how to take ownership or articulate solutions. Everything was framed around my effort—how hard I tried, how much I cared, or what I felt wasn’t explained to me—rather than how my actions affected others. My definition of communication only worked if it matched my perspective, and that limited my growth.

I also wasn’t good at receiving criticism. Hearing that I needed to improve felt like it invalidated everything I had worked for up to that point. In reality, that was ego talking. The feedback wasn’t saying my journey meant nothing—it was simply pointing out where I could get better. Over time, I learned that constructive criticism is one of the greatest tools for growth if you’re willing to separate it from your identity. Even today, I hold myself to a high standard, but I welcome feedback because it keeps me sharp and honest.

That mindset has carried into how I run my business. I truly believe in asking for feedback, even from people who didn’t return to my chair. Celebrating wins is important, but so is being willing to examine where you may have fallen short. Honest feedback—positive or negative—helps you understand what you’re doing well and where you need to improve. That awareness is invaluable.

The third quality, patience, may have been the hardest lesson. Early on, I wanted everything to move at my speed. I wanted results quickly and success immediately. What I’ve learned is that anything driven purely by money will eventually feel empty and exhausting. Ironically, I started making more money when I stopped chasing it and focused instead on the value of what I was offering—the experience, the details, the education, and the execution. That’s why I continue to invest in learning to this day. I always want to remain a student, even as I grow into leadership.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple but difficult: be patient, stay curious, and become obsessed with the process. Social media can make it feel like success happens overnight, but real mastery takes time. It’s not about throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks—it’s about understanding what you’re good at and committing yourself fully to developing it.

Some of my favorite memories came from seasons when I had very little—working in shops where I didn’t speak the language, being the outsider, making a few hundred dollars a week and thinking I was rich. I was learning, observing, asking questions, and loving the craft for what it was. Those moments mattered more than I realized at the time.

If I could leave people with one thing, it’s this: fall in love with what you do, not just what it can give you. Enjoy the process. Many times, you’re already living in the season you once prayed for—you just don’t recognize it yet.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

I grew up in a single-mother household, and I’m proudly Mexican-American—Tejano, raised in Texas. My mom was the foundation of my life, and the impact she had on me can’t be reduced to just one thing. She gave me several gifts, but three stand above the rest.

The greatest gift she gave me was God. Before she passed, I had the privilege of watching her develop a deep, personal relationship with Him. Seeing her faith lived out—not just spoken about—left a lasting imprint on me. When she passed away, I came to understand that the most meaningful things our parents leave us are intangible. Not money or possessions, but character, values, and inner strength. Through her, I learned that no matter what happens in my life, I’m never alone. My faith only grew stronger after her passing, because I had peace knowing exactly where she was. She knew God, and God knew her—and that gave me comfort that can’t be explained any other way.

The second gift was grit. My mom embodied perseverance and hard work. There were nights she didn’t eat so I could have seconds. No matter how late she stayed up or what she had going on, she was always up before me, making sure I was ready for school. She showed me what it meant to show up early, leave late, and take responsibility for your life. She never believed in waiting for things to happen. If you wanted something, you worked for it. That mindset shaped how I approach everything I do today.

The third gift was confidence. My mom always allowed me to be myself—and more importantly, she encouraged it. Growing up in Houston, moving through different neighborhoods and environments, I often stood out. I was the kid wearing colorful skinny jeans, checkered Vans, Neff beanies, and clothes full of personality and detail. I loved individuality, and my mom never tried to mute that. She celebrated it. She taught me to carry myself with confidence—to stand tall, smile, introduce myself first, and say my name with pride. Not to be the loudest person in the room, but never timid. She believed first impressions mattered, and she taught me to represent myself well wherever I went.

It wasn’t until after her passing that I truly understood the depth of her impact. Without her there to validate my choices or guide me directly, I realized I had already been given everything I needed. I had to become exactly who she raised me to be. I’m incredibly grateful for the man she helped shape me into, and I wouldn’t change my story for anything. I trust the way God wrote it, and I’m thankful for the foundation she gave me to walk forward with confidence, faith, and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://torresimagebarbershop.com/
• Instagram: @torresimage.barbershop